Modular Building Systems

[Aren_Hill]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Thanks, everyone, you've helped me convince the team to try this out. I'm trying to put together a budget and parts list for a versaframe build project, but I can't seem to find any documents that are complete enough to make a parts list, or even a complete tools list (e.g. hole saw size). Would someone please direct me to where I can find answers to the following (and follow-on) questions?

• Are there any documents which show how the versaframe blocks come together?
• It appears that you must drill large holes in the tubing for axles to pass through. How large they should be? Where they should be centered? What are the tolerances?
• Are the clamping gearbox, clamping bearing and WCD bearings alternatives for or must they be used in conjunction with a face bearing mount? I can find pictures of the pieces either completely isolated or completely integrated, but nowhere in between.
• How do the various gears, sprockets, and wheels say on the shafts - is it strictly shaft collar based, or do I need some more hardware?

Be sure to check out the drawings at the bottom of each project page, also the application and guides page has some instructions for some drivetrains to get a feel for the system.

-Aren

[Mike Marandola]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Thanks, everyone, you've helped me convince the team to try this out. I'm trying to put together a budget and parts list for a versaframe build project, but I can't seem to find any documents that are complete enough to make a parts list, or even a complete tools list (e.g. hole saw size). Would someone please direct me to where I can find answers to the following (and follow-on) questions?

• Are there any documents which show how the versaframe blocks come together?
• It appears that you must drill large holes in the tubing for axles to pass through. How large they should be? Where they should be centered? What are the tolerances?
• Are the clamping gearbox, clamping bearing and WCD bearings alternatives for or must they be used in conjunction with a face bearing mount? I can find pictures of the pieces either completely isolated or completely integrated, but nowhere in between.
• How do the various gears, sprockets, and wheels say on the shafts - is it strictly shaft collar based, or do I need some more hardware?

This guide can answer a lot of your questions.

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

.. Would someone please direct me to where I can find answers to the following (and follow-on) questions?

Originally Posted by Nyle

For the clearance holes ..

The clamping gearbox and clamping bearing blocks do everything needed to hold the bearing, ..

Versablocks go on about the same as the plastic clamping bearing blocks, but ..

I don't have any experience with the WCP bearing blocks, ..

For holding everything on the shafts together all you need is collars..

Originally Posted by Knufire

You also might want to take a look at this webpage: http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/ex...ides/?ref=tile

Originally Posted by Aren_Hill

Be sure to check out the drawings at the bottom of each project page, also the application and guides page has some instructions for some drivetrains to get a feel for the system.

Originally Posted by Mike Marandola

This guide can answer a lot of your questions.

Thanks all, these certainly cover all the ground I can think of. I thought I had been all over the Vex site, but completely missed the examples-guides portal page.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

I did find a nice thread singing the praises of the Vex Versaframe system . I also have a catalog of the Tetrix Systems; Tetrix Max looks useful.

We used Tetrix Max in 2011 when it was just called Tetrix, since that was what everyone got to help build their minibots (before everyone wised up to the One True Way To Build A Minibot that called for just the motors and bronze bushings and battery). I imagine there are a few valid uses for it on an FRC machine, but they are few and far between.

4901 used VEXpro Versaframe gussets last year on their robot, paired with our Worseaframe self-drilled tubing. Worked out pretty nicely for us. In years prior with 2815, we'd often build with nothing but 1x1 square tubing, angle aluminum chopped for gussets, and a ton of pop rivets. 80% of what was above those bumpers could be found at Lowe's, and it netted three banners in two seasons.

There are certain extruded shapes that lend themselves to robots, such as Bosch FMS, 80/20, or the new-for-2015 Rev line. We used FMS this year since we're supported by Bosch, but if I had to go and put cash into a system I'd probably give Rev a good look since it accepts more standard hardware and has a very simple process to get linear motion working. In all my experiences though, this gets heavy after you start adding on connectors--great for prototyping and mockups, limiting in production. (Rev uses flat gussets that are less of a weight issue, since it was designed with our applications in mind where FMS and 80/20 get used in industry a whole bunch.) Generally speaking, I'd recommend tube over these lines unless linear motion was a must-have. (Vex now has a linear motion kit for Versaframe, but I haven't had a chance to get up close with it yet.)

Not as much of a kit, but since you have CAD expertise coming in I might also suggest sheetmetal construction. The ability to place holes and bends precisely where you want them is nice, and odds are pretty darn good that there's a company within an hour's drive capable of doing it. Even if you have to pay a few hundred bucks for their services, it may save you the frustration of trying to figure out how to string something together out of COTS items. (Would've saved me a lot of frustration in 2012 with our shooter.)

Hope this helps!